An Aromatic Life Understanding Scent Memories with Dr. Rachel Herz
#11: In this episode, Frauke sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Rachel Herz to talk about the fascinating topic of scent memories. They discuss the difference between how we process everyday smells vs. scent evoked memories, and why memories triggered by scents are truly more emotional than memories triggered any other way (including music!). Dr. Herz reveals why scent memories formed in the first 10 years of life are so pronounced, and why they're so hard to undo (especially negative ones, ie. PTSD, sexual assault). She shares how we can take positive scent memories and harness them to help us de-stress and be well, and encourages us to actively smell train our nose to improve our sense of smell. Stick around to the end and learn a more personal side of Dr. Herz, as she reveals the 5 smells that best describe her.
References from the episode:
Watch Dr. Herz's Ted Talk "Smell, Your Least Appreciated Sense" here:
Published books by Dr. Herz:
The Scent of Desire: Discovering Our Enigmatic Sense of Smell (2007; Harper Collins)
That’s Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion (2012; W.W. Norton & Co)
Why You Eat What You Eat: The Science Behind Our Relationship with Food (2018; W.W. Norton & Co)
Follow Dr. Herz:
Twitter: @rachel_herz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelherz/
Website: rachelherz.com
Follow Frauke on Instagram: @an_aromatic_life
Visit Frauke's website www.anaromaticlife.com
Learn about Frauke's Scent*Tattoo Project